Beirut: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salam© conducted a meeting with officials from reading and cultural activation centers and public libraries at the National Library-Sanayeh. The focus of the meeting was to assess the operational state and needs of these centers, aiming to rejuvenate their activities and strengthen their connections with the community.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Minister Salam© acknowledged a significant deterioration in the relationship between the Ministry of Culture and public libraries across Lebanon in recent years. He emphasized the necessity of re-establishing a robust institutional connection. The meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for this renewed relationship, with Salam© expressing the Ministry’s commitment to providing support despite financial constraints. He announced that a grant has been secured to address some immediate needs, while highlighting the ongoing requirements that are administrative and occasionally political in nature. Salam© assured that the Ministry is prepared to overcome these challenges to restore the libraries to their once pioneering status.
Minister Salam© outlined plans to enhance collaboration with public libraries through participation in Ministry activities, notably those extending beyond Beirut. He announced the Lebanese Cinema Week, scheduled from the 21st to the 26th of the month, which will take place in various regions across Lebanon. Additionally, a book exchange campaign is planned for November, with a dedicated day at the National Library to facilitate this initiative, offering libraries additional resources from its collections and other sources.
Furthermore, Minister Salam© expressed his hope for continuity in these efforts by his successor, particularly in securing financial resources from external sources to support facilities that are in need of sustained assistance.